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On The Day Management

An important part of our program is the support on the water for our young sailors. This is by way of the Patrol and Support boats. Here are some points to note…

Patrol Boat Skippers and Crew

Please arrive early (1000hrs for a 1100hr start) and have all boats ready for use no later than 10:30 .am.
  • "Gus" - should be ready for use by 10:30 am. Launching is from the beach, have the boat on the trailer near the water and ready for immediate use. Gus is our second preferred rescue boat and is always last off the water.
  • “Yamaha, Dee Street” and “OC Mackay” – are ideal for close coaching and support.
  • VHF radio – channel  77 unless otherwise instructed
  • Rubber boats are generally not to be used for laying marks.
While on the water you are under the direction of the Race Officer (RO).

"Gus and Jimmy Gilpin” are the primary rescue boat, and if busy, "Yamaha", "Dee Street", OC Mackay.

White patrol may have to be used but because of its hard sides we prefer to use the soft sided boats for rescues. The wearing of life jackets on these boats is mandatory. Please ensure this is followed.

Please keep the “RO” informed as to what rescue work you are undertaking, what boat or boats you are rescuing and when you have returned to the race area after completing a rescue. Please do not leave the race area without clearance from the “RO”. At the end of the days racing, “Gus” must not leave the water until all sailors are safely ashore.

Mark laying boat (White patrol) - operate under the direction of the “RO”. When marks are laid please ensure they are securely anchored and that excess line is secured in such a way that it will not foul boats that are racing. If there is an outgoing tide ensure there is enough depth of water for all boats to complete the race without hitting the bottom. The club now has a GPS that is used for mark laying. It is a very easy system to use once you have had some training. Please see Murray de Lues if you would like to learn this. He has a number of instruction charts that will take a lot of the mystery away from this gadget.

After the days racing, when retrieving the patrol boats please wash boats and motors down after use ensure the radios are turned off and report any problems to the patrol boat captain. It is very important once the dreaded sea lettuce starts appearing to remove ALL traces of the stuff from the boats AND trailers. It stinks to club out as it quietly decays over  the week.

Committee Boat Duties

Please be ready to leave “J” pier by 10:30 am each race day. The committee boat duty is an important function and if you are unable to fulfil your roster commitments please let the roster co-ordinator know of any changes as soon as possible.

If you are on a roster and wish to help your child prepare for sailing please arrive early enough to do so, and still fulfil your roster commitments.

Life Jackets

Life jackets are supplied for all boats. Because the rubber boats “Jimmy Gilpin”  "Gus" "Yamaha", "Dee Street" and  OC Mackay are our primary support and  rescue boats it is compulsory that lifejackets are worn at all times on the boats.

Rescue

In the event of a rescue this is basically what will happen. Of course the situation at the time will dictate what happens, however …
Capsize
Should a sailor capsize the rescue crews will not automatically give assistance. This is because as soon as we assist a sailor it will disqualify that person from the race. What we will do is stay close to the sailor and monitor his / her attempts to right the boat.

We will intervene when: –
  • the sailor is injured or
  • the sailor is unable to continue, or
  • when asked to help by the sailor, or
  • when the sailor and or the boat is in imminent danger.
  • Be very aware of hypothermia when the water is cold. Sailors can expend as much energy righting their boat as they would use on a weather beat.

Sailors stay with the boat!    Stay in the boat!
  • Keep the sails up until help arrives - this will make it easier for you to be seen.
  • When the rescue boat arrives lower your sail - remember sails must be able to be lowered without having to capsize the boat. (P class and Starlings).
  • Empty your boat of as much water as possible - to make it easier to bring your boat back to shore.
  • Secure your sail so it doesn’t blow around - a good idea is to tie it with your mainsheet
  • Remove your centreboard, leave your rudder on.

When rescued by “Gus” or “Jimmy Gilpin” , you and your boat may be pulled aboard and taken ashore.

When rescued by other patrol boats, a tow line will be passed to you. P Class, Starlings and open should pass the rope through your bow handle, wrap it once around your mast and hold onto it. Sit toward the back of the boat and steer to follow the patrol boat when you are being towed.

Optimist sailors ensure your boat has a strong towline. Pass this to the rescue boat then sit toward the back and steer your boat to follow when being towed.

In the event of a rescue this is basically what the patrol boat crew will do …
  • Safety - The safety of the sailor comes first. The retrieval of the boat comes second. If more than one boat needs help, ensure the sailors wellbeing before attempting to retrieve the boats. Ensure the RO is kept informed. Be careful the sailor is not trapped between their boat and the rescue boat and that fingers are always clear.
  • Approach slowly - whether your approach is from the windward or leeward side is your judgement call. Consider what the current is doing and if unsure discuss with your crew.
  • Communicate - make sure your crew knows what you are going to do and the sailor knows what is required of them. Inform the RO of what you are doing.
  • Propellers - keep the propeller as far away as possible from the sailors and their boats as possible. Ensure no floating gear or ropes can foul the propeller. Before putting the motor in gear ensure the area around the propeller is clear.

When rescuing boats that cannot lower their sails such as optimists and lasers, and if the masts cannot be removed, untie the knot at the end of the mainsheet then take them to shore.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 November 2008 12:03